What is Inhalant Allergy (Atopy) and how is it treated?
Although allergic rhinitis and bronchitis might be regarded as the result of inhaled allergens, the term Inhalant Allergy in the dog is used as a synonym for Atopy. The main causative inhaled allergens are tree pollens (cedar, ash, oak, etc.), grass pollens, weed pollens (ragweed, etc.), molds, mildew, and house dust mites. Many of these allergies occur seasonally, such as ragweed, cedar, and grass pollens. However, others such as molds, mildew, and house dust mites are year-round. When humans inhale these allergens, the allergy manifests mainly with respiratory signs runny eyes, runny nose, and sneezing (hay fever). But in dogs the result is itchy skin (pruritis). So the condition is also called Inhalant Allergic Dermatitis. The dog may rub its face, lick its feet and scratch the axillae (underarms). Most dogs that have inhalant allergy start showing signs between one and three years of age. Affected dogs will often react to several allergens. If the offending allergens can be identif
